Postseason Thriller: Guardians Stun Yankees in 10-Inning Marathon
In a game that will be etched in the memories of baseball fans for years to come, the Cleveland Guardians outlasted the New York Yankees 7-5 in a thrilling 10-inning contest that showcased the very best of October baseball.
The Unlikely Hero
Down two runs with two outs in the eighth inning, the Yankees were tasked with overcoming the seemingly insurmountable task of solving Emmanuel Clase, the best closer in baseball. But Aaron Judge had other plans. The Yankees slugger blasted a low line drive that pierced through the air, just over the right-field wall for a tying two-run home run. Two minutes later, Giancarlo Stanton crushed a slider over the wall in center field to give the Yankees a one-run lead.
The Roller Coaster Ride Continues
The Guardians refused to give up, and in the bottom of the ninth inning, Luke Weaver’s struggles continued. Lane Thomas hooked a 95-mph fastball down and in off the tall left-field wall, cutting the Yankees’ lead to one. Then, Jhonkensy Noel pinch-hit for Daniel Schneemann and delivered a game-tying home run, sending the crowd into pandemonium.
The Improbable Play
In the top of the 10th inning, Andrés Giménez made an incredible play, snagging a chopper in the hole at second base, twisting around, and making a leaping throw falling to his backside to record the out. The play deflated the Yankees’ rally and set the stage for the Guardians’ walk-off win.
The Final Blow
In the bottom of the 10th inning, David Fry launched a mistake 1-2 sinker into the seats beyond the left-field wall, ending the game and sending the Guardians into a frenzy. The Yankees, who had been 196-1 in their postseason history when leading by multiple runs in the ninth inning or later, were stunned.
A Game for the Ages
“It was an incredible game on both sides,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “All the emotions, ups and downs, back and forth, you name it. If there’s an emotion, we all felt it on both sides.” The game will go down as one of the most memorable in recent postseason history, a true classic that showcased the drama and excitement of October baseball.
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